The Analytical Research Laboratory (ARL) of the Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) undertakes physical and chemical analyses of the materials and structure of artifacts of the materials and structure of artifacts for Canadian museums, art galleries and archives. Correlative analyses of a wide range of materials are conducted using analytical methods which include x-ray microdiffractometry, x-ray spectrometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Several examples are given to illustrate the research programme. ARL has been involved since 1972 in the study of aboriginal rock art in Canada including rock paintings and petroglyphs. Analysis of rock painting materials and structure reveals that hematite pigment was protected by the formation of natural mineral accretions precipitated from groundwater seepage. Water alone, without an organic vehicle, may have been mixed with the red ochre. A protective structure has been built at one marble petroglyph site but most sites cannot be protected from natural weathering. Accurate photographic and photogrammetric recording is one means of preserving a record of this significant cultural and historical legacy.